I’m going to say it…the “M” word…this chocolate mayonnaise cake is moist, decadent, and so delicious! And it is topped with the most creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting! You’re going to fall in love with it! If you’ve tried our best chocolate cake recipe, then you’re going to love this chocolate mayo cake!
What was the “M” word? Mayo or moist? Hahaha…originally I was thinking “moist” because it’s so taboo, but then I realized that some of you might have thought I meant “mayonnaise”. Mayonnaise in a cake? Heck yes!
Ok so this is typical me, but I heard about mayo cake as a kid and swore it off. First of all, I grew up on Miracle Whip. Say whatever you want, it happened. And I loved it on a grilled cheese 
Anyway!!!
As an adult everyone was swearing by it and I’ll be honest, mom’s chocolate zucchini cake is more moist and delicious (thank you zucchini!) in my humble opinion, but I have worked out the kinks and practiced and perfected and finally humbly bow to the Southerners that swore I just HAD TO TRY IT. It is moist, tastes delicious and you were all right!
Ingredients for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Something so delicious shouldn’t be so easy! The list of ingredients is brief and just the basics. You might just have everything already in the pantry and fridge. Cha-ching!
Cake
- Flour: just all purpose flour is great!
- Cocoa Powder: we like unsweetened Hershey’s but any cocoa powder will work fine.
- Sugar: just good ol’ white granulated sugar
- Baking Soda: make sure it’s fresh!
- Salt: every baked good needs a little salt!
- Vanilla Extract: flavor, flavor, flavor!
- Mayonnaise: replaces the oil and eggs, don’t use a light mayo
- Water: make sure it is HOT, hot water awakens the rich chocolate flavor of the cocoa powder
Chocolate Frosting
- Cream Cheese: any brand will do and make sure it is room temperature!
- Butter: unsalted and room temperature
- Cocoa Powder: same note as above
- Powdered Sugar: we always go with C&H brand confectioners’ sugar
- Vanilla: flavor baby!
- Milk or Chocolate Milk: if you want to go over the top, use chocolate milk!
The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
How many times can I say that this cake is easy? Well, I’m going to say it one more time…this cake is so easy to make. Mix everything together, pour in a baking pan, and bake. The frosting is just as simple. Dangerous, I know!
For the Cake
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease your baking dish.
- Whisk: Add all the ingredients together and whisk in a large bowl.
- PRO TIP: Stop whisking as soon as the cake batter comes together. An overmixed cake is a dry cake.
- Pour: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out so it’s even.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, remove from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting
- Combine: Mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until it is smooth.
- PRO TIP: It is crucial that your butter and cream cheese are both room temperature. If you try to add either of them cold, you’ll have lumpy frosting.
- Spread: Wait for the cake to cool completely then spread all over the top.
All the specifics can be found in the recipe card below.
Do You Have To Refrigerate Mayonnaise Cake?
The unfrosted cake can be stored at room temperature.
Some frostings are ok at room temperature also, but if you use a cream cheese frosting on mayonnaise cake, it needs to be refrigerated.
How Long Will Mayonnaise Cake Keep?
Mayonnaise cake will keep for 3-4 days in airtight container.
Can You Freeze Chocolate Mayo Cake?
Yes, absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What Does Mayonnaise Do For Cake?
Mayonnaise is made from oil and eggs, and it will boost the moisture level in a cake recipe when added to the batter.
How Can I Substitute Mayonnaise in a Cake Mix?
Substitute the oil and eggs with mayonnaise.
If the mix calls for 1/3 cup oil and 2 eggs, simply leave the eggs and oil out and add 1/3 cup mayonnaise.
Or you can substitute the mayonnaise for oil and keep the eggs.
Chocolate mayonnaise cake…don’t knock it ’til you try it (saying to my younger self)! The mayo makes it so moist! A chocolate cake recipe has never been easier…just mix, bake, devour!
For All Our Chocolate Cake Lovers:
Description
I’m going to say it…the “M” word…this chocolate mayonnaise cake is moist, decadent, and so delicious! And it is topped with the most creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting! You’re going to fall in love with it!
For the Cake
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Grease a 9×13” baking pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients, stopping as soon as it has come together.
2 Cups Flour, 1/3 Cup Cocoa Powder, 1 Cup Sugar, 2 teaspoons Baking Soda, 1/4 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Vanilla, 1 Cup Mayonnaise, 1 Cup Water
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Pour the batter into the pan and smooth it out to all sides.
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Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Allow to cool completely and then frost.
For the Frosting
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Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
8 Ounces Cream Cheese, 5 Tablespoons Butter, 1/2 Cup Cocoa, 3 Cups Powdered Sugar, 1 teaspoon Vanilla, 1 Tablespoon Milk
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Spread on cooled cake.
Can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days
Calories: 319kcal
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